Utilities Case Studies

CenterPoint Energy based in Houston, Texas, required a mobile computing solution that could withstand the scorching desert heat while providing enhanced productivity and uninterrupted connectivity. The company selected Panasonic Toughbook computers and a mobile workforce management solution provided by software partner MDSI. The combination of rugged Toughbook hardware and MDSI software enabled easy-to-use, real time access to back office systems from the field even on the hottest days. In addition to the extreme heat, the Toughbook laptops have been dropped on many occasions and even crushed under a truck—yet still kept running. CenterPoint field workers reported that the real time flow of data from the field to the office has been excellent, proving Toughbook laptops can take the heat.

Kansas Gas Services' field crews needed mobile computers that could withstand freezing temperatures and wet conditions so that they could collect and enter critical facilities data into a geographic information system (GIS) during the harsh winter months. The crews also needed to track and transfer data in real time during service calls. To meet their needs, the company selected Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers and deployed them with commercial-grade GPS software. Even in the dead of winter, these Toughbook laptops provided reliable service and connectivity, assuring Kansas Gas crews were never out of touch—even when they were out in the cold.

Southern California Edison needed to provide all 500 of its technicians with a mobile computing solution. This would allow SoCal Edison to boost productivity and increase customer satisfaction by improving scheduling and reducing service calls. The hardware, however, would have to withstand the daily abuse of a very active workforce and have a display that was easy to read, even in the bright California sun.

After comparing and field-testing the ruggedized computers of several companies, Southern California Edison decided that Toughbook mobile computers best met their needs. With spill-resistant keyboards and large, bright touch screen displays, Toughbook units gave field workers flexible data entry options and increased mobility. This not only resulted in productivity gains and increased customer satisfaction, but it has been reported that the company's field workers experienced such high reliability and low failure rates that they have actually hugged their managers for picking such a useful and dependable mobile computer.

ArborMetrics Solutions, Inc. is a nationwide vegetation-management company that enables utilities companies to provide safe, reliable electricity by clearing limbs, trees and brush from utility lines and more. ArborMetrics needed to equip its field crews with a mobile computing solution that would allow them to patrol their circuits, track themselves in unfamiliar areas and provide real-time client communications. However, due to the harsh environmental conditions in which they often operate, the mobile computers would need to withstand everything from humid wetlands to snowy mountains, as well as intense shock and vibration. Arbormetrics chose rugged, reliable Panasonic Toughbook computers, with integrated mobile broadband and GPS, as its mobile computing solution of choice. With this technology, ArborMetrics ensured that its crews could operate quickly and effectively and keep its customers satisfied. ArborMetrics Project Coordinator Scott J. Nelson said that Panasonic Toughbook is what makes the job possible "because it can survive the terrain. It can survive the conditions that I don't think any other computer could do."